SATURDAY 28 AUGUST MATCH REPORTS
1XV Eccles 77-15 Burnley
Eccles welcomed Burnley to Gorton Street yesterday for the first round of the Lancashire Plate competition in what be the first competitive fixture for both clubs in almost 18 months. The disruption of covid has certainly decreased the numbers of active men in the game. However, although Eccles and Burnley were missing more players than any coach ever wants to be without, both clubs succeeded in feilding more than one team on a glorious Sunny Saturday.
The Eccles men fired out of the blocks playing some extremely good rugby, sticking to the brand exceptionally well and reaping the rewards with a flourish of tries scored out wide to give them the early lead 15-0. A wonderful individual effort from Gav, saw the winger collect the ball on the Eccles 22 and weave his way through the Burnley defence to take the score to 20-0. The Burnley men weren’t for giving up and asked some questions of their own to the Eccles defensive line, tight around the fringes, earning themselves front foot ball which they moved quickly, and saw them earn some hard fought points. At the break Eccles were in control of the contest. HT 44- 5
The second half saw more of the same, with Eccles’ expansive brand of rugby far too fluent for the Burnley defence to handle. Eccles scored whenever they strung good phases together, however Eccles errors and penalties saw Burnley enjoy possession a little more frequently this half, which they worked extremely hard to keep, eventually scoring a few more points. The game ended with Eccles as comfortable victors and it was heartening to see so many former colts and homegrown players contributing positive performances. Try scorers were Gavin Ackers Johnson 4, Nick Spooner 3, Dan Reed 2, Will Parkinson 2, Chris Fortune, Lee Brennand. (13 tries , 6 converted) Both squads are sure to improve as the season progresses. FT 77-15.
2XV v Littleborough
Eccles welcomed Old rivals Littleborough on a glorious sunny day for a pre-season friendly, which should have seen both teams look to play some running footie. Unfortunately Eccles started the game with an error from KO and this appeared to write the script for the rest of the game, with Eccles giving the visitors ample possession and territory to dominate the scoreboard.
The Eccles men fronted up against an extremely experienced Littlebourough team, which had a vast amount of former first team players, especially in the forwards. That experience and the sheer size difference man for man started to show 30 minutes into the game as Eccles continued to make handling errors across the park and tired from a huge defensive shift.
The men in blue & white hoops percevered in their attmepts to play our attacking brand of rugby whenever in possession (a highlight being John Whailing's try in the second half) but handling errors were compounded over and over again to their opponant's delight. The game ended with 2 tries to Eccles and a lot of tries, possibly 10, to Littleborough. It's back to the basics at training for Captain John Hibbert’s men on Tuesday.
3XV v Trafford MV
On a very warm sunny day, perfect for running rugby, 15 Eccles players took the field at TMV lead by coach Darren Thomasson and captain Ashley Williams. After such a long break in activity, the Eccles players were understandibly a little rusty to begin with and that led to play being unstructured in the first 20 mins although both teams had several short phases of good flowing rugby. Trafford were well organised and kept good shape and used the ball with more continuity. They also benefitted from the larger squad.
